Richie Laryea comes to the Whitecaps on loan- How can he help the Whitecaps?

How he joined

It was transfer deadline day and the Whitecaps still haven't made any signings or loans. The date was August 2, 2023 and it was in the morning where Laryea was announced to join the Whitecaps on loan. Which made it the Whitecaps's first signing in the secondary transfer window.

Background

Richie grew up in Toronto. Richie Laryea has been loaned here by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Unfortunately he has never played a Premier League game since his last loan was to our rivals in the north Toronto FC, as he made 18 appearances in the 2023 Major League Soccer season. Before the loan ended and he returned to Nottingham Forest. His professional career started at Orlando City, where he was drafted 7th overall. Richie contributed 2 goals and 3 assists for Toronto FC in the 2023 season. He also played all 3 matches for Canada in the World Cup.

Loan/ potential transfer

Despite the excitement, we do have to remind ourselves that he is only coming temporarily. Or so we think, their is alternative ways to make this happen. Like I believe their isn't a loan to buy fee, but their is a possibility. Maybe after the loan and he plays phenomenally you can sign him back. Or you can try to secure him as a DP, but that would mean Sergio Cordova will leave, as there is no way you're selling Gauld and you just extended Andres Cubas a month ago. So that leaves Cordova as the odd man out. I doubt this would happen, but there is a possibility. I believe that Whitecaps will try their best to agree a deal with Nottingham Forest.

Postitions/ Gressel replacement

For the people saying that this is the Julian Gressel replacement, I get you. But I see the comparison but in this 2023 season, Julian Gressel was playing mostly center-midfielder as he didn't really play out wide, only for like 2-3 games. While for Richie Laryea his preferred position is right-back. And in that position is more uncommon to dribble a lot. Like sometimes you don't have the freedom, as you're considered a defender still. But here with Vanni's interest in playing players in unique positions. You would think that he would try to slowly settle into the team by playing his preferred position. Which I think is the smart move to make. But as time goes on, near the end of the season, Vanni can experiment him at wing-back if you are playing 3 at the back. And you play him a bit up and a bit more freedom to attack in that right wing-back spot. If Vanni continues to play the 3 at the back, then the potential of him playing right wing-back is endless. While at a four at the back, it wouldn't be stupid to try to experiment him as a center-midfielder, as he makes good passes and that's a perfect attribute to be a midfielder.

How can Laryea help?

I think Laryea can help this team by playing various positions, including right-back, right wing-back and center mid. He can help the 0 nprecently shaky defence, as his defending is decent, definitely better than his right-back competition in Javain Brown. He can in fact, be in presence of the recent departure of Gressel. As their passing play are both spectacular, with both having similarities. Laryea can either be a very good, going forward right-back. Or be a very win the ball back and counter attack type of person for the Caps. The person who kick starts a counter attacking goal. If I am Vanni I won't switch from the 3 at the back for now, with Richie Laryea playing right wing-back. I want him to win the ball, and switch directions quickly, start an attack. And make inverted runs down the middle to feel a bit of that Gressel presence. I feel like this is a great addition for this 2023 Vancouver Whitecaps team whose making a playoff push.